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Protesters demonstrate against the level of unemployment in Tunis. Apr. 7, 2012. Police scuffled with demonstrators as the moderate Islamist government has been criticized by the opposition for doing too little to revitalize Tunisia's economy.AP Photo

"Democracy Promotion after the 'Jasmine Revolution': A Dispatch from Tunis"

"Outside observers frequently refer to Tunisia as democracy's "best hope" in the Middle East—the likeliest case where the initial promises of the Arab Spring will be borne out. Of course, there are many challenges, including getting the economy running, drafting the new constitution, coping with some recent violence, and dealing with the emergence of the Salafis, a hard-line Islamist group. Still, Tunisia's functioning state, largely successful and legitimate 2011 election for the National Assembly, politically neutral military, and relatively high level of economic development all seem to bode well for democracy's chances there. If Tunisia is democracy's best hope in the Arab region, then how is the international community supporting its democratic transition?..."

Events Calendar

We host a busy schedule of events throughout the fall, winter and spring. Past guests include: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Vice President Al Gore, and former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev.